See the Ordinary: Painting Workshop with Tsotne Ivanishvili

See the Ordinary: Painting as Perceptual Practice (Workshop)

February 28, 2026 (Saturday), College Hall at Jockey Club Student Village IV HKU

The workshop kicked off with a warm introduction to our distinguished guest speaker, painting instructor, and event co-sponsor Tsotne Ivanishvili. We are truly privileged to welcome him, as his expertise and artistic vision bring immense value to our workshop. In the first half session, Tsotne delves into the fascinating world of color theory, guiding us through the intricate ways in which colors interact, juxtapose, and harmonize.

He emphasizes how our perception of reflected colors on everyday objects is not merely a matter of visual mechanics, but also a profound exploration of how light, context, and human cognition shape the way we experience art and the world around us. His insights invite us to see beyond the surface, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the subtle nuances that transform ordinary objects into extraordinary visual experiences.

Is this cup white? – No.

In today’s fast-paced world, contemplation is often undervalued, replaced by fabricated elsewhere or fictions, and overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of escape and momentary satisfaction. Denying our singular, cruel and silent reality remains an immensely shared human reflex, often ending up in a tragic dichotomy between strict empiricism or obscure rationalism. As a solution, we often tend to not worry about perception that much and deny the pleasure that simply taking a closer look can bring. This is especially evident in Hong Kong, where the rhythm of life seems to move at a double speed. People rarely pause to notice the subtle variations that distinguish one ordinary event from another, or the delicate shifts in color, sound, and atmosphere that surround everyday objects. Yet, it is precisely these nuances that enrich our lives, weaving meaning into the fabric of our daily existence.

This cup, though labeled white in the inventory database, resists such a simple categorization. In fact, nothing in the world is purely white, black or any other color, as all the objects influence each other, and color emerges from an infinity of incalculable and hazardous relationships of hue, saturation and value. When placed upon two sheets of paper, the white cup reflects hues of blue, gray, red, green, yellow, and countless gradients in between. However, it is not truly white, nor is it any of the colors it momentarily displays. Its appearance is contingent upon its surroundings, reminding us that color itself is not an inherent property but rather the interplay of light, surface, and perception. Taking some time, to simply look at it, results in an ecstasies of realizing how rich the banal world in fact is.

In the latter half of the session, we were invited into a fascinating spectrum of perspectives offered by our college residents—a kaleidoscope of interpretations, each one reflecting the individuality of the observer. Some envisioned the cup as a dream while others saw their reflections in realism, perceiving the cup as an object firmly situated in its environment. 

The event also brought back memories and inspired our college residents in their painting journey. A college resident recalled how painting had once held a cherished place in her younger years, only to be gradually set aside as the demands of high school consumed her time and energy. This workshop is an invitation and a chance to reclaim a part of herself that had been neglected. As anyone is an artist at some point in his or her life, we just need some courage to “try again, fail again, fail better”.  

We are truly grateful to Tsotne for sharing his time, talent, and encouragements with our residents. It was a meaningful reminder that art does not have to be left behind—it can be picked up again, anytime and anywhere. Thank you for inspiring us to slow down and rediscover the world around us!

Article Authors: Tiffany Fu and Ruan Xinyan Bonnie

Event Organiser: Anna-Maria Kutateladze